Robert Shankle

Monday, August 1, 2011

II Cor 6:-10-For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

The traditional way this passage is taught is that paul was recieving so much revelation that He (God) had to give Paul a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.But there is no way that can be the truth cause it just doesn't line up with other scriptures and of course we know that the scriptures can't be broken.The way to interpet scripture is with other scripture.When you look at this in light of other principles in the word it begins to take on a great picture of those principles working.
1.Mk 4-The sower sows the word and satan comes to take it away.This is very clear in this situation.Why did the messenger come?Because of the abundance of the REVELATIONS or WORD sown in his heart!To keep him from being exalted above what that revelation would exalt above the things of the world.It wasn't God trying to keep him humble it was the devil doing what he does,keeping us from getting things we don't know about.
II Pet 1:2-4-Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Knowledge of His promises will bring us grace(The devine influnence on the heart (spirit) that is reflected in the life) that will make us a partaker of the devine nature.Now did Jesus have any problem with the devil,NO.Nowhere in the word does He tell us to pray and He will handle the devil for us.He already has and we are his joint heirs.Ja 4:7 says if WE resist the devil he will flee from us.Jesus was telling him that he (Paul) was enough like Himself (Jesus),because of the things he revealed to him,to take care of the devil in that situation.
Whatever weakness situation that we are in,the grace we recieve will deliver us out of.
One time they were going to stone Jesus and he just walked right though the middle of them.
Another thought,how is the devil being allowed in our life going to make us more like Jesus?
Paul was humble,he even stopped saying all the great things that happen to him so they wouldn't thing he was anything out of the ordinary.Ja 4:6.7 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
For Paul to stand up and resist the devil and God say "not this time" He would have to destory Himself and we could NEVER stand on a promise because of that statement in the back of our minds "not this time".
Heb 6:16-20-For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
There is no debate about it.If God said it we can EXPECT it,hope there means to expect.God didn't just say things and then wait to see if that was what He was wanting.His will is his word and it is forever settled in heaven,where Jesus is the High Preist of it,and in earth where we can depend on it.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Does that mean that He gives up the ability to "put up" with anything? That is really the idea that we have had of that phrase.Nothing could be futher from the truth! II Cor 12:6-11 says-
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
There is so much in these few words!I actually have a 3 hour series that covers this passage so trying to condense my thoughts is very hard.
First to understand any part of the word it has to mesh with the whole word.In this passage there are a few principles at play.
Paul starts out by saying that though he would desire to glory he would NOT!So God wasn't trying to humble him,he already was!
The next principle is the sower sows the word and then satan comes to take the word out.Our beliving the word is how we get grace,we covered that in an eariler blog.Satan came to try to get the word out that would exalt him over the things of the world,that's his job.We will not overcome the world in any area that we do not have a revelation of the word or covenant.
Speaking of covenant,God said if we resist the devil he WILL flee.He did not say he might if I decide he needs to.When God put something in his word he will keep it.Heb 6:16-19 says-For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
The word hope means to expect! No where does it say to ask Jesus to take care of the devil,HE ALREADY HAS! Jesus said MY grace,the devine influnence on the heart and it's reflection in the life,is enough for YOU!You have enough knowledge that has given you enough grace to be enough like me to take care of the devil.So Paul said most gladly will I glory when I am weak cause then I still can take care of that situation.
Maybe if you don't agree with this it will make you mad enough to study it out in line with the rest of the new testament!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

I Tim 4:7-16 Says-But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
These things command and teach.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Godliness is profitable IN THIS LIFE!To understand what it is lets look at it's opposite.We have no problem knowing what worldliness is because we have heard about that forever,it is the way the world operates.Well Godliness is how God operates!He has been around a while so his way must work.As we meditate and give ourselves WHOLLY to doing things God's way then and ONLY then will the benefits that come from going Gods way will begin to show and other people will see it and will begin to listen to what you have to say.If sinners don't want to hear what you have to say then maybe we aren't showing any answers to them.Maybe they are thinking I don't want to be like them,I have enough problems.
John 14:21-23 says- He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
The way we allow God to show up in our lives is by keeping his word in our hearts until it gives us the ability to do things His way and then he can get involved in our lives and work on our behalf.
As we mature as belivers we should never be indistinguishable with the sinner!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Understanding when the old covenant ended and the new one began can really help understand the new testament.The new testament didn't actually begin until Jesus died and was raised to sit at the right hand of the Father.At that point his Kingdom came!Col 1:10-13 says That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.We have to renew our thinking to understand we are not like the old covenant people,we are children of the Father!Heb 2:10 and 11 says-For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.
The first complete new testament book is Acts.Go through and read the Gospels again with the understanding that the people Jesus ministered to and taught were under the old covenant.We don't have to pray for His kingdom to come,it's already here now,we are in it!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Not only did Job not have a covenant with Got but had no idea who or what the devil was.There was a very limited knowledge about him in the old covenant.Got dealt with him though as the people allowed him to.Satan does have a right to be here and have authority in the earth because of Adam's sin.
The new testement believer is a child of God and has authority over him and it's the same that Jesus had when he was on earth. Romans 8:16 and 17 says the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Also James 4:7 says Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Eph 3:27 says neither give place to the devil.
So to say that we have to go through the same thing that Job did is a slap in the face of Jesus.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Just a quick thought about "The Job Question". The main thing we as believers need to come away from the story of Job is what James 5:11 tells us to look at,"Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy". Job was a man who HAD NO COVENANT with God.He didn't know what he could expect from God! Heb 6:12-20 states:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
God wants us to know WHAT He said and that He WILL KEEP His word!
If God was able to restore Job 7 times what he had without a covenant or,His word out to him,How much more will he take care of us IF we believe what he said!
Remember God doesn't tempt us with evil.He also doesn't use anything of the devil,sickness,poverty,worry etc.... to make us more like Jesus.When you get that out in the light it doesn't make good sense does it?But that is being taught in church after church every suday and wednesday.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Romans 5:17
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Heb 2:11
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Jn 16:15
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Rom 8:16,17
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:28,29
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Notice He didn't say events,He said things.The same things we inherited from Him that made Him the was He was!)Those THINGS works together for our good,making us like Him so He won't be ashamed to call us brethern.
Did he reign in life? Oh yeah!Whats the difference,why are we not reigning in life life like Him?It's based on a seed principle,mark 4.And a lot of other reasons we don't have time to get in to now.But it is available to us and God will not be totally pleased in us till we do.
It will be to our benefit AND the benefit of those around us when we do.

I Jn 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Jn 17:20,21
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
We became one with Him when we were baptised by the Spirit into the body of Christ.!
I Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Eph 2:4-10
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them

Col 2:10-12
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

The same thing that happened to Him happened to us at the time of the new birth.That brings us back to
Heb 2:11
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

There is a whole lot here to digest and you don't hear it every day but it is the word.
Some people don't even know this is in the bible!